Alexandria Technical & Community College has been selected by U.S. Cyber Command as one of the newest Academic Engagement Networkcollege and university partners from 34 states and the District of Columbia.
In total 84 colleges and universities were selected to partner with the Command and components. Partners consist of 70 universities, 14 community colleges, nine minority serving institutions, four military service academies and four military war and staff colleges.
Alexandria College was the only institution selected from Minnesota and offers a certificate in Cybersecurity and an associate’s degree in Cybersecurity, Virtualization and Networking. Additionally, university partnerships allow for direct bachelor’s degree completion opportunities.
“CYBERCOM’S goal for the AEN is to strengthen our relationships and communication with these participating institutions,” said Cyber Command Executive Director David Frederick in a press release. “This will improve and sustain our efforts to meet cyberspace educational requirements and workforce needs.”
The Command intends to use the AEN to support and enhance four primary efforts: Future workforce, applied cyber research, applied analytics and strategic issues. This will serve as an investment in creating a robust and accessible pool of qualified cyber professionals.
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“We are honored to have been selected to partner with the U.S. Cyber Command’s Academic Engagement Network. I see this partnership as an opportunity to enhance curricular offerings at Alexandria College, assist in CYBERCOM’s efforts by opening doors for our graduates, and to meet increasing workforce demands,” said Steve Richards, Alexandria College Dean of Business & Information Technology in a press release. “It is clear that cyber-related incidents are increasing exponentially, and that it is not a feasible option to shut down ecommerce or the internet and go back to old ways. Partnerships like this between Alexandria College and CYBERCOM’s AEN are the key to solving the problem.”
Frederick added that this network will further enable Cyber Command to shape and enhance cyber-focused innovation with partnerships and support the Department of Defense’s ongoing strategic dialogue on cyberspace.
— Echo Press news staff
